Celtic Prayers of Ireland and British Isles - English Flowers of Orthodoxy 3

 https://theflowersoforthodoxy.blogspot.com

The Flowers of Orthodoxy




Celtic Prayers of Ireland and British Isles


English Flowers of Orthodoxy 3


ORTHODOX CHRISTIANITY – MULTILINGUAL ORTHODOXY – EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCH – ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΙΑ – ​SIMBAHANG ORTODOKSO NG SILANGAN – 东正教在中国 – ORTODOXIA – 日本正教会 – ORTODOSSIA – อีสเทิร์นออร์ทอดอกซ์ – ORTHODOXIE – 동방 정교회 – PRAWOSŁAWIE – ORTHODOXE KERK -​​ නැගෙනහිර ඕර්තඩොක්ස් සභාව​ – ​СРЦЕ ПРАВОСЛАВНО – BISERICA ORTODOXĂ –​ ​GEREJA ORTODOKS – ORTODOKSI – ПРАВОСЛАВИЕ – ORTODOKSE KIRKE – CHÍNH THỐNG GIÁO ĐÔNG PHƯƠNG​ – ​EAGLAIS CHEARTCHREIDMHEACH​ – ​ ՈՒՂՂԱՓԱՌ ԵԿԵՂԵՑԻՆ​​ / Abel-Tasos Gkiouzelis - https://theflowersoforthodoxy.blogspot.com - Email: gkiouz.abel@gmail.com - Feel free to email me...!

♫•(¯`v´¯) ¸.•*¨*
◦.(¯`:☼:´¯)
..✿.(.^.)•.¸¸.•`•.¸¸✿
✩¸ ¸.•¨ ​


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WALES


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A Prayer to Saint Melangell of Wales (+641)


In Welsh:

Mil engyl a Melangell Trechant

lu fyddin y fall.


https://orthodoxy-rainbow.blogspot.com/2015/03/melangell.html


In english:

Melangell with a thousand angels

Triumphs over all the powers of evil.


https://orthochristian.com/71372.html


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Alexander’s Breastplate (10th-14th ce.)


This lorica (breastplate) prayer is called “Alexander’s Breastplate” because it is between two poems about Alexander the Great in the Welsh Book of Taliesin.

[The Book of Taliesin (Welsh: Llyfr Taliesin) is one of the most famous of Middle Welsh manuscripts, dating from the first half of the 14th century though many of the fifty-six poems it preserves are taken to originate in the 10th century or before].


On the face of the earth

his equal was not born,

Three persons of God,

one gentle Son

in the glorious Trinity.

Son of the Godhead,

Son of the Manhood,

one wonderful Son.

Son of God, a fortress,

Son of the blessed Mary,

Son, Servant, Lord.

Great his destiny,

great God supreme,

in heavenly glory.

Of the race of Adam

and Abraham,

and of the line of David,

the eloquent psalmist,

was he born.

By a word he healed

the blind and deaf

from every ailment;

the gluttonous, vain

iniquitous, vile, perverse,

to rise toward the Trinity

by their redemption.

The Cross of Christ

is our shining breastplate

against every ailment.

Against every hardship

may it certainly be

our city of refuge.


Source: Book of Taliesin, Welsh, 10th-14th Century, excerpt

The Four Ancient Books of Wales, 1868, p. 557-558.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church.


Original in Old Welsh:


Ar clawr eluyd y gystedlyd ny ryanet.

Teir person duw. vn mab adwyn terwyn trinet.

Mab yr dwydit. mab yr dyndit. vn mab ryued.

Mab duw dinas. mab gwen meirgwas. mat gwas gwelet.

O hil ade ac abrahae yn ryanet.

O hil dofyd dogyn dwfynwedyd llu ryanet.

Dyduc o eir deill abydeir o pop aelet.

Pobyl ginhiawc. goec gamwedawc salw amnyned.

Rydrychafom erbyn trindawt gwedy gwaret.

Croes cristyn glaer. lluryc llachar rac pop aelat.

Rac pop anuaws poet yn dilis dinas diffret.


http://www.ancienttexts.org/library/celtic/ctexts/t27w.html

and 

http://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/t27w.html


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/08/15/alexanders-breastplate/


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ENGLAND


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Now robed in stillness in this quiet place

Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, England (+687)

Now robed in stillness in this quiet place, emptied of all I was, I bring all that I am your gift of shepherding to use and bless. 

Source: Ray Simpson, Daily Light from the Celtic Saints: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

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 A PRAYER OF SAINT ALFRED, KING OF THE ENGLAND


To be found at the end of King Alfred's translation of 'On the Consolation of Philosophy'.


O Lord God Almighty, Maker and Ruler of all creation, in the name of Thy mighty mercy, through the sign of the Holy Cross and the virginity of Holy Mary, the obedience of Holy Michael and the love and merits of all Thy Saints, I beseech Thee, guide me better than I have deserved of Thee; direct me according to Thy will and the needs of my soul better than I myself am able; strengthen my mind for Thy will and the needs of my soul; make me steadfast against the temptations of the devil; keep foul lust and all evil far from me; shield me from my enemies, seen and unseen; teach me to do Thy holy will, that I may inwardly love Thee above all things with clean thought and chaste body. For Thou art my Maker and my Redeemer, my life, my comfort, my trust and my hope. Praise and glory be to Thee now and forever and unto the endless ages. Amen.


http://www.orthodoxengland.org.uk/athapray.htm


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The Prayer of St. Aidan 


"Leave me alone with God as much as may be.


As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,


Make me an island, set apart,


alone with you, God, holy to you.


Then with the turning of the tide


prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,


the world that rushes in on me


till the waters come again and fold me back to you."


These are the words of the Holy Bishop and Wonderworker of Lindisfarne, Aidan. May we taste of the closeness he had with Christ.


https://orthodoxy-rainbow.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-prayer-of-st-aidan-video.html


JL.H.

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The Lorica of Gildas (9th century)


The Lorica (Breastplate) of Gildas is also known as the Lorica of Loding, and is found in the Book of Cerne.


Trinity in unity, preserve me.

Unity in Trinity, have mercy on me.


I pray,

preserve me from all dangers

which overwhelm me

like the waves of the sea,

so that neither mortality

nor the vanity of the world

may sweep me away this year.

And I also ask,

send the high, mighty hosts of heaven,

that they not abandon me

to be destroyed by enemies,

but defend me now

with their strong shields

and that the heavenly army

advance before me:

cherubim and seraphim by the thousands,

and archangels Michael and Gabriel, likewise,

I ask, send these living thrones,

principalities and powers and angels,

so that I may be strong,

defended against the flood of strong enemies

in the next battle.


May Christ, whose terror scares away the foul throngs,

make with me a strong covenant.

God the unconquerable guardian,

defend me on every side by your power.

Free all my limbs,

with your safe shield protecting each,

so that the fallen demons cannot attack

against my sides or pierce me with their darts.

I pray, Lord Jesus Christ, be my sure armor.

Cover me, therefore, O God, with your strong breastplate.

Cover me all in all with my five senses,

so that, from my soles to the top of the head,

in no member, without within, may I be sick;

that, from my body, life be not cast out

by plague, fever, weakness, suffering,

Until, with the gift of old age from God,

departing from the flesh, be free from stain,

and be able to fly to the heights,

and, by the mercy of God, be borne in joy

to the heavenly cool retreats of his kingdom.


Source: The Lorica of Gildas, also known as the Lorica of Loding from the Book of Cerne. 


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Note: The Lorica of Loding continues after the section above to appeal to the saints for protection, and then to pray, individually, for protection for all the parts of the body. The remainder of the Lorica is presented below, based on the translation by Hugh Williams in Gildas: The Ruin of Britain … together with the Lorica of Gildas, 1899.


Patriarchs four, prophets four,

apostles, watchmen of the ship of Christ,

and all the athlete martyrs, I ask–

And charge also all virgins,

faithful widows, and confessors,

to surround me by their safety,

and every evil perish from me.


May Christ, whose terror scares away the foul throngs,

make with me a strong covenant.

God the unconquerable guardian,

defend me on every side by your power.

Free all my limbs,

with your safe shield protecting each,

so that the fallen demons cannot attack

against my sides, or pierce me with their darts.

Skull, head, hair and eyes,

forehead, tongue, teeth and their covering,

neck, breast, side, bowels,

waist, buttocks and both hands.

For the crown of my head with its hair,

be the helmet of salvation on my head;

for forehead, eyes, triform brain,

nose, lip, face, temple;

for chin, beard, eye-brows, ears,

cheeks, lower cheeks, internasal, nostrils;

for the pupils, irises, eyelashes, eyelids,

chin, breathing, cheeks, jaws;

for teeth, tongue, mouth, throat,

uvula, windpipe, bottom of tongue, nape;

for the middle of the head, for cartilage,

neck—you, kind One, be near for defense.

I pray, Lord Jesus Christ, by the nine orders of holy angels,

Lord, be my sure armor,

for my limbs, for my entrails,

that you may drive back from me the invisible

nails of stakes, which enemies fashion.

Cover me, therefore, O God, with strong breastplate,

along with shoulder blades, shoulders and arms.

Cover my elbows and elbow-joints and hands,

fists, palms, fingers with their nails.

Cover back-bone and ribs with their joints,

hind-parts, back, nerves and bones.

Cover surface, blood and kidneys,

haunches, buttocks with the thighs.

Cover hams, calves, thighs,

knee-caps, hocks and knees.

Cover ankles, shins and heels,

legs, feet with the rests of the soles.

Cover the branches that grow ten together,

with the toes and their nails ten.

Cover chest, sternum, the little breast,

nipple, stomach, navel.

Cover belly, reins, genitals,

and paunch, and vital parts also of the heart.

Cover the triangular liver and fat,

spleen, armpits with covering.

Cover stomach, chest with the lungs,

veins, sinews, gall-bladder with

Cover flesh, groin with the inner parts,

spleen with the winding intestines.

Cover bladder, fat and all

the numberless orders of joints.

Cover hairs, and the rest of my limbs,

whose names, may be, I have passed by.

Cover me all in all with my five senses,

and with the ten doors formed for me,

so that, from my soles to the top of the head,

in no member, without within, may I be sick;

that, from my body, life be not cast out

by plague, fever, weakness, suffering,

Until, with the gift of old age from God,

I blot out my sins with good works;

And, in departing from the flesh, be free from stain,

and be able to fly to the heights,

and, by the mercy of God, be borne in joy

to the heavenly cool retreats of his kingdom.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/08/01/the-lorica-of-gildas/



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SCOTLAND


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Iona, Iona, Iona - Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)

Iona, Iona, Iona, the seagulls crying, wheeling, flying o’er the rain-washed bay; Iona, Iona, The soft breeze sighing, the waves replying on a clear, blue day, Iona. Iona, Iona, the waters glisten, the wild winds listen to the voice of our Lord; Iona. Iona’s blessing strengthens and firmly it will hold you; then from this rocky fortress goes forth our island soldier; may Christ who calmed the tempest with safety now enfold you.

Source: 

Ray Simpson, Daily Light from the Celtic Saints: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

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May I Keep the Smallest Door - Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)


Almighty God,

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

to me the least of saints,

to me allow that I may keep

even the smallest door,

the farthest, darkest, coldest door,

the door that is least used,

the stiffest door.


If only it be in your house, O God,

that I can see your glory even afar,

and hear your voice,

and know that I am with you, O God.


Source: Attributed to St. Columba, 521-597.


Source of this version: http://yourworshiptools.com/a-prayer-of-st-columba/


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


This prayer recalls Psalm 84:10.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/21/may-i-keep-the-smallest-door/


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The Fire of God’s Love - Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)


May the fire of God’s love

burn brightly and steadfastly in our hearts

like the golden light within the sanctuary lamp.


Source: Attributed to St. Columba, 521-597.


Source of this version: https://daily-prayers.org/angels-and-saints/prayers-of-columba-colomcille-of-ireland/


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/20/the-fire-of-gods-love/


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Delightful It Is to Serve the King of Kings - Saint Columba of Isle of Iona, Scotland (+597)



Let me bless almighty God,

whose power extends over sea and land,

whose angels watch over all.

Let me study sacred books to calm my soul:


I pray for peace,

kneeling at heaven’s gates.

Let me do my daily work,

gathering seaweed, catching fish,

giving food to the poor.

Let me say my daily prayers,

sometimes chanting, sometimes quiet,

always thanking God.

Delightful it is to live

on a peaceful isle, in a quiet cell,

serving the King of kings.


Source: Attributed to St. Columba, 521-597.


Source of this version: https://daily-prayers.org/angels-and-saints/prayers-of-columba-colomcille-of-ireland/


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/19/delightful-it-is-to-serve-the-king-of-kings/


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What Need I Fear? - A prayer of Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)


Alone with none but you, my God

I journey on my way.

What need I fear, when you are near

O King of night and day?

More safe am I within your hand,

Than if a host round me stand.


My destined time is known to you,

And death will keep his hour;

Did warriors strong around me throng,

They could not stay his power:

No walls of stone can man defend

If you your messenger will send.


My life I yield to your decree,

And bow to your control

In peaceful calm, for from your arm

No power can wrest my soul:

Could earthly omens e’er appal

A man that heeds the heavenly call?


The child of God can fear no ill,

His chosen, dread no foe;

We leave our fate with you, and wait

Your bidding when to go:

‘Tis not from chance our comfort springs,

You are our trust, O King of kings.


Source: Attributed to St. Columba, 521-597.


Source of this version: http://www.traditionalmusic.co.uk/hymn-lyrics/alone_with_none_but_thee_my_god.htm


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/18/what-need-i-fear/


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Guide Me, Today, Tonight and Forever - Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)


Be O Lord,

a guiding star above me,

a smooth path below me,

a kindly shepherd behind me

and a bright flame before me;

today, tonight and forever. Amen.


Source: Attributed to St. Columba, 521-597.


Source of this version: https://daily-prayers.org/angels-and-saints/prayers-of-columba-colomcille-of-ireland/


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/18/guide-me-today-tonight-and-forever/


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God, Be My Guide - Saint Columba of Iona (+597)


Be a bright flame before me,

Be a guiding star above me,

Be a smooth path below me,

Be a kindly shepherd behind me,

Today, tonight, and forever.


Source: Columba


Source of this version: Modified from

http://www.faithandworship.com/Christian_Quotes.htm#ixzz4DZpQ04t9

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/05/god-be-my-guide/


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Dunkeld Litany (8th-12th century)


The litany below is a shortened version of a litany which was sung at public processions of a group of ascetic monks called Culdees. It was used at the ancient Scottish monastery of Dunkeld.


Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.


God, the Father in heaven, have mercy on us.

God, the Son, Redeemer, have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.


You are three, and yet one God, have mercy on us.


Be gracious, free us, Lord.

Be gracious, hear us, Lord.

Be gracious, spare us, Lord.


From every evil,

from every evil inclination,

from every impurity of heart and body,

from a haughty spirit,

from the evil of sickness,

from the snares of the devil,

from enemies to the Christian name,

from destructive storms,

from famine and nakedness,

from thieves and robbers,

from wolves and all dangerous animals,

from floods  of water,

from trials of death,

in the day of judgment, free us, Lord.


By your advent,

by your birth,

by your circumcision,

by your baptism,

by your passion,

by sending the counseling Spirit, free us, Lord.


We sinners pray, free us, Lord.


Holy Father, we pray, hear us.


To give us peace and concord,

to give us life and health,

to give us the fruits of the earth,

to protect our livestock from all pestilence,

to give us favorable weather,

to give us rain at the proper time,

to give us perseverance in good works,

to work true repentance in us,

to move us in charity for those in need,

to give us fervor in your service,

to give all Christian people peace and unity,

to keep us in the true faith and religion,

to preserve and spread your holy church,

to give long life and health to pastors, teachers and all leaders in the church,

to protect the leaders of our land from all enemies and snares.

to give them victory and long life,

to drive out the enemies of Christians from the earth,

to bring them to holy baptism,

to give all Christians your mercy,

to spare us,

to grant us mercy,

to look upon us, we pray, hear us.


Son of God, hear us.


Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us, Lord.


Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

have mercy on us, Lord.


Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world,

grant us peace.


Christ conquers,

Christ rules,

Christ commands.


O Christ, hear us.


Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.


O Christ, give us your grace,

O Christ, give us joy and peace.

O Christ, give us life and salvation.

Amen.


Let us pray.


Our Father…


Let us pray.

Almighty and gracious God, in your majesty remember us. Grant us forgiveness of all sins, increase your heavenly grace to us, and give us your help against all the snares of our enemies, seen and unseen. In the same way, protect our hearts by your command, so that after this mortal life, we may rejoice together with all your saints in the glory of the kingdom of God, serving our Jesus Christ our Lord and Redeemer, who has all power and rule, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.


Source: Kalendars of Scottish Saints by Alexander Penrose Forbes, Bishop of Brechin, Edmonston and Douglas, Edinburgh, 1872, p. lvi-lxv.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/26/dunkeld-litany/


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Christ’s Cross

Saint Columba of Iona, Scotland (+597)

CHRIST’S cross over this face,

and thus over my ear.

Christ’s cross over this eye.

Christ’s cross over this nose.


Christ’s cross over this mouth.

Christ’s cross over this throat.

Christ’s cross over the back of this head.

Christ’s cross over this side.


Christ’s cross over this belly

(so is it fitting).

Christ’s cross over this lower belly.

Christ’s cross over this back.


Christ’s cross over my arms

from my shoulders to my hands.

Christ’s cross over my thighs.

Christ’s cross over my legs.


Christ’s cross to accompany me before me.

Christ’s cross to accompany me behind me.

Christ’s cross to meet every difficulty

both on hollow and hill.


Christ’s cross eastwards facing me.

Christ’s cross back towards the sunset.

In the north, in the south unceasingly

may Christ’s cross straightway be.


Christ’s cross over my teeth

lest injury or harm come to me.

Christ’s cross over my stomach.

Christ’s cross over my heart.


Christ’s cross up to broad (?) Heaven.

Christ’s cross down to earth.

Let no evil or hurt come

to my body or my soul.


Christ’s cross over me as I sit.

Christ’s cross over me as I lie.

Christ’s cross be all my strength

till we reach the King of Heaven.


Christ’s cross over my community.

Christ’s cross over my church.

Christ’s cross in the next world;

Christ’s cross in this.


From the top of my head

to the nail of my foot,

O Christ, against every danger

I trust in the protection of thy cross.


Till the day of my death,

before going into this clay,

I shall draw without . . .

Christ’s cross over this face.


http://www.maryjones.us/ctexts/cc10.html


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MORE

CELTIC CHRISTIAN 

PRAYERS


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“Take time to get in touch with your shadow. Make a list of the things that most often make you angry with other people. This may give you clues as to your shadow’s feelings. Once you have been honest about your vices, make a conscious effort to replace each vice with its opposite virtue;”

― Ray Simpson, Daily Light from the Celtic Saints: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

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“Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me that, working or resting, I may always think of you. Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me that, at home or abroad I may always walk in your way. Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me that, thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong. Heart of my own heart, whatever befall me, rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and actions. ancient Irish”

― Ray Simpson, Daily Light from the Celtic Saints: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

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A Celtic Prayer before a meal

“The food which we are to eat is earth, water, and sun coming to us through pleasing plants The food which we are to eat is fruit of the labor of many creatures. We are thankful for it. May it give us health, strength, joy, and may it increase our love. a prayer before a meal”

― Ray Simpson, Daily Light from the Celtic Saints: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

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Creator, Watch over Us (Celtic Prayer)


Creator of the universe, watch over us

and keep us in the light of your presence.

May our praise continually blend

with that of all creation,

until we come together to the eternal joys

which you promise in your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Source: Celtic prayer


Source of this version: 

http://www.pettchapel.org.uk/Extras/Prayers/Prayers_of_Praise.htm


Variant:


Creator of the universe, watch over us

and keep us in the light of your presence.

Let our praise continually blend

with that of all creation,

and bring us, with all for whom we pray,

to the eternal joys

which you promise in your love;

through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.


Source of this version: http://www.revjones.fsnet.co.uk/prayers/prayers.html


 https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/06/29/creator-watch-over-us/

 


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Help Us in Our Time of Need (4th-5th century)


You guided Noah over the flood waves: hear us.

With your Word you recalled Jonah from the deep: deliver us.

You stretched forth your hand to Peter as he sank: help us, O Christ.

Son of God, you did marvelous things of old: help us also in our time of need.


Source: Early Celtic Prayer


Source of this version: Modified freely from http://www.malankaraworld.com/Library/Devotional/Feb-5-2011-God_weekly_devotional.htm


Variant:


We have sinned, O Lord, we have sinned:

forgive our sins and save us,

hear us, O Lord, you who guided Noah on the waves of the flood,

for it was by your Word that Jonah was recalled from the abyss.

Free us, you who reached out your hand to Peter as he was sinking:

bear us up, O Christ, Son of God.

For you performed wonders among our fathers, O Lord:

Now stretch forth your hand from the Heavens,

help us in our times of need.


Source of this version: Confession of sins in Celtic Vespers: http://celticorderofuniversalwisdom.weebly.com/uploads/5/8/5/2/5852535/short_celtic_vespers.pdf


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/06/29/help-us-in-our-time-of-need/

 


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In Your Mercy, Lead Me (9th century)


Almighty God and Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I pray, in your mercy lead me: where thousands of angels always reflect the exceeding glory of the King of kings, praising him;

where the twenty-four elders fall before the throne of the Lamb of God, praising him;

where the four living creatures surround the throne, and every eye sees his wonderful works;

where the four rivers flow from their one source;

where the patriarchs, the first to believe in God, rule with him in his divine city;

where the prophets, full of the pure Holy Spirit, praise Christ together in the purest light of truth;

where Christ with the apostles Peter and Paul rule, sitting on their thrones;

where the flower of the state of virginity of the innocent with the pleasantness of the people of flourishing are following the Lamb;

where the martyrs of Christ are dressed in white robes and singing and waving palm branches;

where the holy, pure virgins hold palms for the king of kings;

where the crowd of saints sings to the Lord with constant peace in the land of the living;

where there is happiness;

where there is security;

where there is always health

where there is purity of mind;

where there is no pain;

where there are no problems, no anger, no pain of labor;

where there is no hunger;

where there is no deep water;

where no fire burns;

where no one perishes;

where there is no old age;

where youth flourishes;

where there is no groaning;

where the poor do not weep;

where there is eternal peace;

where there is joy;

where there is no trouble;

where there is true life;

where there is no bitter death;

where it is always divine;

where no one knows evil;

where love is strong;

where the nourishing glory of Christ the King reigns;

where there is true joy;

where the cup is full of constant life;

where the clear name of Christ rules upon his throne;

where all things are made right;

where there is salvation for all;

where there is unity;

where there is Trinity;

where there is real truth;

where there is divine virtue;

where there is the God of gods;

where there is the Lord of lords;

where there is the King of kings;

where there is the choir of heaven;

where there is the Light from Light;

where there is the source of life, flowing in the heights of the city;

where the voice of praise resounds for the Lord;

where there is no darkness of night;

where the King of kings rules forever and ever.


Source: The Book of Cerne, p. 106-108


Original in Latin:


Deus pater omnipotens domine caeli ac terrae deduc me obsecro te per misericordiam pietatis tuae

Ubi resplendent semper angelorum milia regem regum laudantes cum ingenti gloria .

Ubi uiginti quattuor seniores sunt proni agnum dei laudantes ante conspectum throni .

Ubi mystica quattuor animalia tota oculis plena tarn mira magnalia .

Ubi ilia flumina bis bina manantia uno e fontis rore inrigati .

Ubi patriarchae primi credentes deo ciues urbis diuinae regnantes sine (fine) cum eo .

Ubi prophetae puri spiritu sancto pleni christum conlaudant clara causa luminis ueri .

Ubi sancta maria sanctis cum uirginibus uitae fruentes prmiis & in thronis sublimibus .

Ubi petrus et Paulus christi cum apostolis regnant cum rege sedentes in cathhedris .

Ubi sequuntur agnum turbae innocentium uirginitatis flore amoeno florentium .

Ubi martyrum chori amicti stolis albis christo canentes habentes uitae palmam .

Ubi uirgines sanctae castitatis nimiam habent palmam gloriae regni regiae .

Ubi sanctorum turbae domino canentium gaudent cum pace firma in terra uiuentium .

Ubi est felicitas .

Ubi et securitas .

Ubi semper sanitas .

Ubi mentis puritas .

Ubi nullus dolor .

Ubi nee mentes nee irae furor Nee dolor laborantibus .

Ubi nullus esurit .

Ubi nee ullus bibit .

Ubi ignis non urit .

Ubi nullus peribit .

Ubi senex non manet .

Ubi iuuenis florebit .

Ubi lesus non gemit .

Ubi pauper non plorat .

Ubi pax perpetua .

Ubi et laetitia .

Ubi nee molestia .

Ubi uita est uera .

Ubi nee mors amara .

Ubi semper diuina .

Ubi non nocent mala .

Ubi caritas firma .

Ubi alma gloria christi regis regiae .

Ubi lumen diuinum .

Ubi gaudium uerum .

Ubi poculum purum uitae perennis plenum .

Ubi nomen praeclarum Christi regnantis (in) thronum .

Ubi est rector rerum .

Ubi salus cunctorum .

Ubi unitas .

Ubi diuinitas .

Ubi trinitas .

Ubi ueritas uera .

Ubi uirtus diuina .

Ubi deus deorum .

Ubi dominus dominorum .

Ubi rex regum .

Ubi caelorum chori .

Ubi lux lucis .

Ubi fons uiuus fulget in summa poli .

Ubi uox laudis resonat domino regi .

Ubi nox nulla tetra .

Ubi regnum regnorum saeculorum in saecula . Amen .


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/11/01/in-your-mercy-lead-me/


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For Love and Light (6th century)


O Lord,

in the name of Jesus Christ your Son our God,

give us that love which can never cease,

that will kindle our lamps but not extinguish them,

that they may burn in us and enlighten others.


O Christ, our dearest Savior,

kindle our lamps,

that they may evermore shine in your temple,

that they may receive unquenchable light from you

that will enlighten our darkness,

and lessen the darkness of the world.


Lord Jesus, we pray,

give your light to our lamps,

that in its light

the most holy place may be revealed to us

in which you dwell as the Eternal Priest,

that we may always see you,

desire you, look on you in love,

and long after you;

for your sake. Amen.


Source: An Ancient Collect, sixth century


Source of this version: Freely modified from Prayers of the Early Church, edited by J. Manning Potts, 1953


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/09/06/for-love-and-light/


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You Are the King of kings, and Lord of Lords (9th century)


God, my almighty God, I humbly worship you.

You are the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

You are the judge of every age.

You are the Redeemer of our souls.

You are the Liberator of those who believe.

You are the Hope of those who labor.

You are the Comforter of the sad.

You are the Way for the straying.

You are the Teacher of the nations.

You are the Creator of all creatures.

You are the Lover of all that is good.

You are the Prince of all virtue.

You are the Joy of your saints.

You are Life everlasting.

You are Joy in truth.

You are the joy of our eternal homeland.

You are Light from light.

You are the Fount of holiness.

You are the glory of God the Father in the highest.

You are the Savior of the world.

You are the Fullness of the Holy Spirit.

You are seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling on your throne forever.


Source: From a confession of sins in The Book of Cerne, 9th Century.


Source of this version: Translated for Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Deus deus meus omnipotens

Ego humiliter te adoro

Tu es rex regum et dominus dominantium

Tu es arbiter omnis saeculi

Tu es redemtor animarum

Tu es liberator credentium

Tu es spes laborantium

Tu es paracletus doleutium

Tu es uia errantium

Tu es magister gentium

Tu es creator omnium creaturarum

Tu es amator omnis boni

Tu es princeps omnium uirtutum

Tu es gaudium sanctorum tuorum

Tu es uita perpetua

Tu es laetitia in ueritate

Tu es exultatio in aeterna patria

Tu es lux lucis

Tu es fons sanctitatis

Tu es gloria dei patris in excelso

Tu es saluator mundi

Tu es plenitude spiritus sancti

Tu sedis  ad dexteram dei patris in throno regnas in saecula


Source: The prayer book of Aedeluald the bishop, commonly called the Book of Cerne, p. 95-96.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/27/you-are-the-king-of-kings-and-lord-of-lords/


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A Benediction (10th century)


May our Lord + Jesus Christ

be near you to defend you,

within you to refresh you,

around you to preserve you,

before you to guide you,

behind you to justify you,

above you to bless you;

and the blessing of almighty God,

the Father, the + Son, and the Holy Spirit,

be among you and remain with you always.

Amen.


Source: 10th Century manuscript, from The New Ancient Collects, #575, (Bright’s Ancient Collects, p. 193.3)


In Bright’s Ancient Collects, this was printed as a prayer with this ending:


…above you to bless you;

who lives and reigns

with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2017/09/02/a-benediction/


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Two Celtic Communion Prayers (8th century)


The Lorrha Missal (also called the Stowe Missal) was a book containing the texts of the mass, written in Ireland in the late 8th century. The first prayer below was prayed after the consecration (Words of Institution) and before the distribution. The second prayer was the post-communion prayer.


We believe, O Lord.

We believe we have been redeemed

by the breaking of Christ’s body,

and the pouring of his blood.

We rely on this sacrament for strength,

confident that what we now hold in hope,

we will enjoy in true fulfillment in heaven;

through our Lord Jesus Christ

who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.


We give you thanks, O Lord,

holy Father, almighty and eternal God,

for you have satisfied us

with the body and blood of Christ your Son.

In your mercy, O Lord,

let this sacrament not be for our condemnation or punishment,

but for our salvation and forgiveness,

for strengthening the weak

as a firm foundation against the dangers of the world.

With this communion forgive all our guilt,

and give us the heavenly joy of sharing in it;

through our Lord Jesus Christ

who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit

now and forever.

Amen.


Source: Freely modified from The Lorrha-Stowe Missal, p. 6-7.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Formatted as block paragraph:


We give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God, for you have satisfied us with the body and blood of Christ your Son. In your mercy, O Lord, let this sacrament not be for our condemnation or punishment, but for our salvation and forgiveness, and for strengthening the weak as a firm foundation against the dangers of the world. With this communion forgive all our guilt and give us the heavenly joy of sharing in it; through our Lord Jesus Christ who reigns with you and the Holy Spirit now and forever.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/14/two-celtic-communion-prayers/


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A Celtic Litany (8th century)


The Lorrha Missal (also called the Stowe Missal) was a book containing the texts of the mass, written in Ireland in the late 8th century. The litany below is freely modified from the Litany of St. Martin from the Lorrha Missal. It would have been prayed between the reading of the Epistle and Gospel.


Let us all pray to the Lord.

Hear us, Lord, and have mercy.


With all our heart and mind,

to the Lord who looks over the earth and makes it tremble,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For blessed peace and most tranquil times for us,

for the holy church to extend from our borders to the ends of the earth,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For our pastors, teachers, servants,

and all leaders in our church,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For this place and those who live in it,

for faithful leaders,

and for all who serve to defend our land,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For those who dedicate themselves to the Lord’s service,

for the needy, for widows and orphans,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For those who travel by land, sea and air,

for those striving to live lives of repentance,

for those instructed in the Christian faith,

let us pray:

Lord, have mercy.


For those who bear fruits of mercy in Christ’s holy church,

let us pray:

Hear us, Lord almighty.


That we may live in the Christian faith and die in peace,

let us pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.


That God’s kingdom may remain among us,

that his will be done among us in the holy bonds of charity,

let us pray,

Lord, hear our prayer.


To preserve the Christian faith among us in all holiness and purity,

let us pray.

Lord, hear our prayer.


O Lord,

cleanse us from all our sins,

and restore us in your sight.

Graciously hear our prayers

and receive our praise;

through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.


Source: Freely modified from The Litany of Supplication of St. Martin in the Lorrha-Stowe Missal, p. 6-7. Translated and prepared for A Collection of Prayers. The closing prayer is a very free adaptation of the litany’s closing collect.


A more literal translation of all the petitions may be found here: http://www.liturgies.net/Liturgies/Other/stowe.htm


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/14/a-celtic-litany/


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The Lorrha-Stowe Preface and Sanctus (8th century)


The Lorrha Missal (also called the Stowe Missal) was a book containing the texts of the mass, written in Ireland in the late 8th century. It begins in the same way as the Roman rite, but becomes a beautiful poem on the attributes of God.


The Lord be with you.

And also with you.


Lift up your hearts.

We lift them up to the Lord.


Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

It good and right.


It is truly good, right and salutary

for us to give thanks to you always and everywhere,

holy Lord, almighty and eternal God,

through Christ our Lord;

with your only Son and the Holy Spirit you are

one immortal God,

incorruptible and unchangeable God,

invisible and faithful God,

wonderful and praiseworthy God,

honorable and mighty God,

most high and magnificent God,

living and true God,

wise and powerful God,

holy and glorious God,

great and good God,

awesome and peaceful God,

beautiful and righteous God,

pure and benevolent God,

blessed and just God,

pious and holy God,

not one singular person,

but one Trinity of substance.


We believe you.

We bless you.

We adore you.

We praise your name forever and ever

through him who is the salvation of the world,

through him who is the life of humanity,

through him who is the resurrection of the dead.


Through him the angels praise your majesty,

the dominions adore,

the powers of the highest heaven tremble,

the virtues of the blessed seraphim rejoice together.

We pray, grant that we may join our voices with theirs, confessing you and saying:


Holy, holy, holy Lord,

God of Sabaoth.

Heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna in the highest.


Blessed is he who came down from heaven that he might live on the earth, be made fully human, and gave his flesh as a sacrificial victim, and by his passion gave eternal life to those who believe.


Source: Lorrha-Stowe Missal, eighth century. Translated by Paul C. Stratman for A Collection of Prayers.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/12/the-lorrha-stowe-preface-and-sanctus/


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To You, Trinity We Give Praise and Thanks (8th century)


We worship you, eternal Father.

We call on you, eternal Son.

We confess you, Holy Spirit, dwelling in one divine unity.


To you, Trinity we give praise and thanks.

To you, one God, we sing in endless praise.


To you, Father unbegotten,

to you, the only-begotten Son,

to you, Holy Spirit, proceeding from the Father and the Son, we confess with our hearts,

to you beyond all thought, surpassing all understanding, to the all-powerful God we give thanks; who reigns, now and forever. Amen.


Source: The Antiphony of Bangor, #125; translated by Paul C. Stratman for A Collection of Prayers.


Original in Latin:


Te Patrem adoramus seternum.

Te sempiternum Filium invocamus.

Teque Spiritum Sanctum in una divinitatis substantia manentem confitemur.

Tibi Trinitati laudes et gratias referimus.

Tibi uni Deo incessabilem dicimus laudem.

Te Patrem ingenitum,

Te Filium unigenitum.

Te Spiritum Sanctum a Patre et Filio procedentem corde credimus.

Tibi inaestimabili, incomprehensibili, omni potens Deus, gratias agimus. Qui regnas in saecula, &c.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/05/20/to-you-trinity-we-give-praise-and-thanks/


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A Blessing Based on Isaiah 9


May the wisdom of the Wonderful Counselor direct you,

the strength of the Mighty God protect you,

the love of the Everlasting Father embrace you,

the peace of the Prince of Peace surround you.


Source: Unknown, possibly Celtic.


This blessing is drawn from Isaiah 9:6


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/09/10/a-blessing-based-on-isaiah-9/ 



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MAELISU'S HYMN TO THE ARCHANGEL MICHAEL


O angel!

Bear, O Michael of great miracles,

To the Lord my plaint.

Hearest thou?

Ask of forgiving God

Forgiveness of all my vast evil.

Delay not!

Carry my fervent prayer

To the King, to the great King!

To my soul

Bring help, bring comfort

At the hour of its leaving earth.

Stoutly

To meet my expectant soul

Come with many thousand angels!

O soldier!

Against the crooked, wicked, militant world

Come to my help in earnest!

Do not

Disdain what I say!

As long as I live do not desert me!

Thee I choose,

That thou mayst save my soul,

My mind, my sense, my body.

O thou of goodly counsels,

Victorious, triumphant one,

Angelic slayer of Antichrist!


https://www.gutenberg.org/files/32030/32030-h/32030-h.htm#Page_41


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A Personal Blessing (8th century)


O Lord, open your heavens;

from there may your gifts descend to him.

Put forth your own hand and touch his head.

May he feel the touch of your hand,

and receive the joy of the Holy Spirit,

that he may remain blessed for evermore.

Amen.


Source: Æthelwold of Winchester, c. 908-984


Source of this version: Modified from  http://www.dsbc.org.uk/downloads/June_2012_MAGAZINE_seq.pdf


Also found in Prayers of the Middle Ages, edited by J. Manning Potts, p. 41


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/20/a-personal-blessing/

 


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* * *


IRELAND


* * *


A prayer of Saint Brigid of Ireland (+525)

"We implore Thee, by the memory of Thy Cross's hallowed and most bitter anguish, make us fear Thee, make us love Thee, O Christ. Amen."

—Prayer of Saint Brigid of Ireland (+525)


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This night is the eve of the great Nativity,

Born is the Son of Mary the Virgin,

The soles of His feet have reached the earth,

The Son of glory down from on high,

Heaven and earth glowed to Him,

All hail! let there be joy!

'Tis frenzy blind,

'Tis witlessness, 'tis madness wild

- Since still to deathward all life tends -

To be unfriends with Mary's child.


Irish:


Mór báis mor baile

mór coll ceille mor mire

olais airchenn teicht do écaib

beith fo étoil maíc maire.


attrib. to the Irish Saint Siadhal (Sedulius), 5th century

Thesaurus Palaeohibernicus


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/


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Lá Fhéile Bride!! 

A Naomh Bríd, guí orainn! 

A Bhríd, a Mhuire na nGael,

A Bhríd, scaoil tharam do bhrat

agus coinnigh faoi do cumhdach mé 

go mbeidh mé leat i bhFlaitheas Dé.


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/



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Happy feast of St Senan of Scattery Island / Lá féile Naomh Sheanáin.

Naomh Seanáin guí orainn!


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/



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Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh.

Naomh Pádraig, patrún na hÉireann, guí orainn!


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/


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Bennachtaí na Féile Ciarán! 

Happy namesday to my son Ciaran!


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/



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Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig Oraibh!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!




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The Irish-speaking cockerel is not heard to say, 'cock-a-doodle-doo!’  but ‘Mac na hÓighe slán!’  [pron. mac na hoya slahn!] ‘the Son of the Virgin is safe!’  That is what the first cock crew on that first Easter Morning,  and the cockerels have called it thus every year since.


Orthodox Ireland, https://www.facebook.com/groups/236570420106157/


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The Lorica of St. Fursa (7th century)


May the guiding hands of God be on my shoulders,

may the presence of the Holy Spirit be on my head,

may the sign of Christ be on my forehead,

may the voice of the Holy Spirit be in my ears,

may the smell of the Holy Spirit be in my nose,

may the sight of the company of heaven be in my eyes,

may the speech of the company of heaven be in my mouth,

may the work of the church of God be in my hands,

may the serving of God and my neighbor be in my feet,

may God make my heart his home,

and may I belong to God, my Father, completely.


Source: Lorica of St. Fursa (Fursey), 7th Century.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Original in old Irish:


Robé mainrechta Dé forsind [f]ormna-sa,

robé torruma in spirta naoimh for in cend-sa,

robé airde Críst isin édan-sa,

robé ésdecht in spirta náimh isna clúasaib-sea,

robé bolltanugad in spirta nóib isna srónaib-sea,

robé imfaiccsin fer nime isna súilib-sea,

robé comlabra fer nime isna bélaib-sea,

robé lubair eculsa Dé isna lámaib-sea,

robé les Dé ocus a choimnesa isna cosaib-sea,

roba locc do Día in cride-sea,

rob la Día athair uile in duine-sea!


Credo ocus pater.


Source: https://celt.ucc.ie//published/G400079/index.html


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/08/02/the-lorica-of-st-fursey/


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My God, Help Me (11th century)


Deus meus adiuva me, [My God, help me.]

Give me your love, O Son of God,

Give me your love, O Son of God,

Deus meus adiuva me.


In meum cor, ut sanum sit, [Into my heart, that it may be sound,]

O noble King, give your love quickly,

O noble King, give your love quickly,

In meum cor, ut sanum sit.


Domine da quod peto a te, [O Lord, give what I ask of you,]

Give, give quickly, O clear, bright sun,

Give, give quickly, O clear, bright sun,

Domine da quod peto a te.


Hanc spero rem et quaero quam, [This thing I hope for, and this is what I ask,]

Your love to me in this world,

Your love to me in the next world,

Hanc spero rem et quaero quam.


Tuum amorem, sicut vis, [Your love, as you wish,]

Give me quickly what I ask again,

Give me quickly what I ask again,

Tuum amorem, sicut vis.


Quaero, postulo, peto a te, [I search, I ask, I beg of you,]

My life in heaven, Son of God,

My life in heaven, Son of God,

Quaero, postulo, peto a te.


Domine, Domine, exaudi me, [O Lord, O Lord, hear me,]

Fill my soul with your love, O God,

Fill my soul with your love, O God,

Domine, Domine exaudi me.


Deus meus adiuva me,

Deus meus adiuva me.


Source: Mael Ísu Ua Brolcháin, d. 1086 The Poem-Book of the Gael, 1912, p. 140-141, translation composite.


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Original in Latin/Old Irish:


Deus meus adiuva me

Tabhair dom do shearch,a Mhic ghil Dé

Tabhair dom do shearch,a Mhic ghil Dé

Deus meus adiuva me.


In meum cor, ut sanum sit,

Tabhair, a Rí rán, do ghrá go grip;

Tabhair, a Rí rán, do ghrá go grip,

In meum cor, ut sanum sit.


Domine da quod peto a te,

Tabhair dom go dian a ghrian ghlan ghlé,

Tabhair dom go dian a ghrian ghlan ghlé,

Domine da quod peto a te.


Hanc spero rem et quaero quam,

Do shearc dom sonn, do shearc dom thall;

Do shearc dom sonn, do shearc dom thall,

Hanc spero rem et quaero quam.


Tuum amorem, sicut vis,

Tabhair dom go tréan, a déarfad arís;

Tabhair dom go tréan, a déarfad arís,

Tuum amorem, sicut vis.


Quaero, postulo, peto a te,

Mo bheatha i neamh, a mhic dhil Dé;

Mo bheatha i neamh, a mhic dhil Dé,

Quaero, postulo, peto a te.


Domine, Domine, exaudi me,

M’anam bheith lán de d’ghrá, a Dhé,

M’anam bheith lán de d’ghrá, a Dhé,

Domine, Domine exaudi me.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/08/05/my-god-help-me/


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Be My Vision (6th-8th century)


Be my vision, O Lord of my heart.

There is none other but the King of the seven heavens.


Be my meditation by day and night.

May it be you that I behold even in my sleep.


Be my speech, be my understanding.

Be with me, may I be with you.


Be my Father, may I be your son.

May you be mine, may I be yours.


Be my battle-shield, be my sword.

Be my dignity, be my delight.


Be my shelter, be my stronghold.

Raise me up to the company of the angels.


Be every good to my body and soul.

Be my kingdom in heaven and on earth.


Be solely the chief love of my heart.

Let there be none other, O high King of heaven,


Until I am able to pass into your hands,

My treasure, my beloved, through the greatness of your love.


Be alone my noble and wondrous estate.

I seek not men nor lifeless wealth.


Be the constant guardian of every possession and every life.

For our corrupt desires are dead at the mere sight of you.


Your love in my soul and in my heart —

Grant this to me, O King of the seven heavens.


O King of the seven heavens grant me this —

Your love to be in my heart and in my soul.


With the King of all, with him after victory won by piety,

May I be in the kingdom of heaven O brightness of the son.


Beloved Father, hear, hear my lamentations.

Timely is the cry of woe of this miserable wretch.


O heart of my heart, whatever befall me,

O ruler of all, be my vision.


Source: Attributed to Dallán Forgaill, 6th-8th century

English prose translation by Mary Byrne (1905), adapted

A poetic translation, “Be Thou My Vision” appears in many hymnals.

This prayer has its own page on Wikipedia.com.


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Original in old Irish:


Rop tú mo baile, a Choimdiu cride:

ní ní nech aile acht Rí secht nime.


Rop tú mo scrútain i l-ló ‘s i n-aidche;

rop tú ad-chëar im chotlud caidche.


Rop tú mo labra, rop tú mo thuicsiu;

rop tussu dam-sa, rob misse duit-siu.


Rop tussu m’athair, rob mé do mac-su;

rop tussu lem-sa, rob misse lat-su.


Rop tú mo chathscíath, rop tú mo chlaideb;

rop tussu m’ordan, rop tussu m’airer.


Rop tú mo dítiu, rop tú mo daingen;

rop tú nom-thocba i n-áentaid n-aingel.


Rop tú cech maithius dom churp, dom anmain;

rop tú mo flaithius i n-nim ‘s i talmain.


Rop tussu t’ áenur sainserc mo chride;

ní rop nech aile acht Airdrí nime.


Co talla forum, ré n-dul it láma,

mo chuit, mo chotlud, ar méit do gráda.


Rop tussu t’ áenur m’ urrann úais amra:

ní chuinngim daíne ná maíne marba.


Rop amlaid dínsiur cech sel, cech sáegul,

mar marb oc brénad, ar t’ fégad t’ áenur.


Do serc im anmain, do grád im chride,

tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime.


Tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime,

do serc im anmain, do grád im chride.


Go Ríg na n-uile rís íar m-búaid léire;

ro béo i flaith nime i n-gile gréine


A Athair inmain, cluinte mo núall-sa:

mithig (mo-núarán!) lasin trúagán trúag-sa.


A Chríst mo chride, cip ed dom-aire,

a Flaith na n-uile, rop tú mo baile.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/23/be-my-vision/


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The Litany of the Trinity (Mugron) (10th century)


Have mercy on us,

O God, Father almighty!

O God of hosts,

O God most high,

O Lord of the world,

O indescribable God,

O Creator of the elements,

O invisible God,

O untouchable God,

O unjudgeable God,

O immeasurable God,

O impatient God,

O immaculate God,

O immortal God,

O immoveable God,

O eternal God,

O perfect God,

O merciful God,

O admirable God,

O awesome God,

O golden good,

O Father in heaven,

have mercy on us!


Have mercy on us,

O almighty God,

O Jesus Christ,

O Son of living God!

O Son that was born twice,

O only-begotten of God the Father,

O first child of Mary the Virgin,

O Son of David,

O Son of Abraham,

O beginning of all,

O end of the world,

O Word of God,

O jewel of the heavenly kingdom,

O life of all,

О eternal truth,

О image, О likeness, О figure of God the Father,

О hand of God,

О arm of God,

О strength of God,

О right hand of God,

О true wisdom,

О true light that enlightens all darkness,

О guiding light,

О sun of truth,

О morning star,

О radiance of the Godhead,

О splendor of the eternal light,

О intelligence of the mystic world,

О mediator of all men,

О betrothed of the Church,

О faithful shepherd of the flock,

О expectation of the faithful,

О angel of the great counsel,

О true prophet,

О true apostle,

О true teacher,

О high priest,

О master,

О Nazarene,

О fair-haired one,

О ever living satisfaction,

О tree of life,

О true vine,

О sprout of the root of Jesse,

О King of Israel,

О Savior,

О door of the world,

О chosen flower of the plain,

О lily of the valleys,

О rock of strength,

О cornerstone,

О heavenly Zion,

О foundation of faith,

О innocent lamb,

О diadem,

О silent sheep,

О redeemer of humanity,

О true God,

О true man,

О lion,

О ox,

О eagle,

О crucified Christ,

О judge of Doom,

have mercy on us!


Have mercy on us,

О almighty God,

О Holy Spirit!

О Spirit that is nobler than all Spirits,

О finger of God,

О guard of the Christians,

О comforter of the sorrowful,

О gentle one,

О merciful intercessor,

О giver of true wisdom,

О author of Holy Scripture,

О ruler of speech,

О sevenfold Spirit,

О Spirit of wisdom,

О Spirit of understanding,

О Spirit of counsel,

О Spirit of strength,

О Spirit of knowledge,

О Spirit of gentleness,

О Spirit of awe,

О Spirit of charity,

О Spirit of grace,

О Spirit by whom all high things are ordained,

have mercy on us.


O Father, O Son, O Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.


Have mercy on us, eternal God,

O God in heaven, have mercy on us.

Have mercy on us, O glorious God,

Trinity glorious, ruling the circle of the earth.

O God, to your name be honor and praise,

now and forever. Amen.


May the almighty God be magnified in all the earth.


Source: Litany of the Trinity by Mugron, d. 980-981.


Source of this version: Kuno Meyer in Hibernica Minora, 1894, p. 43-44


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Original in old Irish:


Mugrón, comarba Coluim cille, hec uerba composuit de Trinitate.


Airchis dín, a Dé Athair uili-cumachtaig,

A Dé na slóg,

A Dé uasail,

A thigerna in domuin,

A Dé díaisneithe,

A duilemuin na ndúl,

A Dé nem-aicside,

A Dé nem-chorpdai,

A Dé nem-mitte,

A Dé nem-toimside,

A Dé nem-foiditnich,

A Dé nem-thruailnide,

A Dé nem-marbdai,

A Dé nem-chumscaigthe,

A Dé shuthain,

A Dé foirpthe,

A Dé trocair,

A Dé adhamraigthe,

A Dé aduathmair,

[A De in talman,

A De na teined,

A De na nusqui nexamail,

A Dhe ind aeoir [fh]uasnadaigh & rethanaig,

A De na nil-berlada im chrunni in talman,

A Dé na tonn a thec imdomhain inn aiceoin,

A Dhe na nairdreannach, & na nuili rinn étrocht,

A Dhe, ro thebestar in maisi, ro thinns[c]nastar la & aidchi,

A De ro thigernastar ar ifern cona daoscor-sluag,

A Dé ro follamnaighes co narcainglib,]

A maith forordai,

A Athair nemdai fail i nimib,

Airchis din.


[Ad Christum hec uerba pertinent.]

Airchis dín, a Dé uili-chumachtaig, a Isu Crist, a meic Dé bi,

A meic ro genair fo di,

A oen-geinne Dé Athar,

A prim-geinne Maire oige,

A meic Dauid

A meic Abraham

A thosach na nuili,

A forcend an domuin,

A Briathar Dé,

A shét na flatha némdai,

A betha na nuili,

A fírinne tshuthain,

A immhaigin, a chosmailes, a dealb Dé Athar,

A lám Dé,

A dóit Dé,

A nert Dé,

A deis Dé,

A fhir-ecnai,

A fhir-shoillsi cena soillsiges cech ndorchai,

A sholus taircedaig,

A grian na fírinde,

A rétla matindai,

A delrad na deachta,

A thaitnem na soillsi suthaine,

[A thopur in bethad bith-buain,]

A thuicsi an betha rundai,

A etirsidaigthe na nuile duine,

A thairngertaig na hecailse,

A oegaire tairise an treoid,

A frescisiu na niresech,

A aingil na comairli móire,

A fhir-faith,

A fhir-abstail,

A fhir-forcetlaid,

A uasal-shacairt,

A Maigistir,

A Nasarda,

A glan-mongaich,

A shasad bith-béo,

A bile an betha[d],

[A fhir-nem],

A fhir-fhinemain,

A flesc do freim Iesse,

A rí Israel,

A shlainicid,

A dorus an betha[d]

A blath togaide in maige,

A lil na nglenn,

A ail na sonairte,

A cloch uillech,

A Sion nemdai,

A fotha na hirse,

A uain ennaic,

A mind,

A choera cennais,

A thathchrithid in chiniud[a] daon[d]a,

A fír-De,

A fhír-duine,

A leo,

A oc-daim,

A aquil,

A Christ crochdai,

A brithem bratha,

Airchis dín.


[Hec uerba ad Spiritum Sanctum pertinent.]

Airchis dín a Dé uile-cumachtaig, a Spirut Noib,

A Spirut as uaisle cech spirut.

A mér Dé,

A coimed na cristaide,

A comdidantaid na toirsech,

A choen-suaraich,

A etar-guthid trocar,

A thi[d]nachtaid ind fír-ecnai,

A auctair na scribture noibe,

A airrechtaid na érlabrai,

A Spirut secht-dealbaig,

A Spirut in ecnai,

A Spirut in inntlechtai,

A Spirut na comairle,

A Spirut na sonairte,

A Spirat ind fessa,

A Spirut na báide,

A Spirut ind uamain,

A Spirut na deirce,

A Spirut ind ratha,

A Spirut on ordnigther cech nuasal,

[A Spirut loisces na cinta,

A Spirut nighes na pectha,

A Spirut naomh fhollamnaighes na huile dule, aicsidhe & nem-fhaicsidhe,

Aircis dim,

A Dhe uili-cumachtaig, ind Athair nemdha, & a Meic aon-geine,

Aircis dim.

Aircis dim, a Athair, a Meic, a Spirut naom.


Aircis dim a De aonda,

A De do nim, aircis dim.

Aircis dim, a De o fuilid, tria fuilid folla[m]nugud na nuile dul det, a De.

Rot be onoir & inocbail in secula seculorum. Amen.


Omnipotens Deus magnificetur in uniuersa terra, et reliqua.]


Source: https://celt.ucc.ie/published/G206009.html


 Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/21/the-litany-of-the-trinity-mugron/


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The Lorica of Mugron (10th century)


This Lorica of Mugron asks for the protection of the cross of Christ on all parts of the body. The idea is that Christ fills all our lives, so we do not need to be afraid. In one source, this Lorica was called “The Lorica of Columkille” (or Columba).


The cross of Christ upon this face,

and over this ear,

The cross of Christ upon this eye.

The cross of Christ upon this nose.

The cross of Christ upon this mouth.

The cross of Christ upon this tongue.

The cross of Christ upon this throat.

The cross of Christ upon this back.

The cross of Christ upon this side.

The cross of Christ upon this belly …

The cross of Christ upon my hands,

from my shoulders to my palms.

The cross of Christ over my legs,

The cross of Christ with me before me,

The cross of Christ with me after me,

The cross of Christ to face every trouble

in valley and hill.

The cross of Christ as I look east.

The cross of Christ toward the sunset.

In the north and south. never stopping,

the cross of Christ always there.

The cross of Christ over my teeth,

to protect from harm and danger.

The cross of Christ over my stomach.

The cross of Christ over my heart.

The cross of Christ up to highest heaven.

The cross of Christ down to earth.

There shall come no evil nor suffering

to my body or to my soul.

The cross of Christ at my sitting.

The cross of Christ at my lying.

The cross of Christ all my strength,

until we reach the King of heaven.

The cross of Christ over my community.

The cross of Christ over my church.

The cross of Christ in the next world.

The cross of Christ in this.

From the top of my head

to the sole of my foot,

O Christ, in all trouble,

I trust in the protection of your cross.

Until the day I die

before returning to the earth,

I shall trace on myself

the cross of Christ upon this face.


Source: From the Lorica of Mugron,  d. 980-981, composite translation, based mostly on The Irish Liber Hymnorum, by John Henry Bernard, 1898, p. 212


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Original in old Irish:


Cros Chríst tarsin n-gnúis-se, tarsin g-clúais fon cóir-se.

Cros Chríst tarsin súil-se.

Cros Chríst tarsin sróin-se.

Cros Chríst tarsin m-bél-sa.

Cros Chríst tarsin cráes-sa.

Cros Chríst tarsin cúl-sa.

Cros Chríst tarsin táeb-sa.

Cros Chríst tarsin m-broinn-se (is amlaid as chuimse).

Cros Chríst tarsin tairr-se.

Cros Chríst tarsin n-druim-se.

Cros Chríst tar mo láma óm gúaillib com basa.

Cros Chríst tar mo lesa.

Cros Chríst tar mo chasa.

Cros Chríst lem ar m’ agaid.

Cros Chríst lem im degaid.

Cros Chríst fri cach n-doraid

eitir fán is telaig.

Cros Chríst sair frim einech

Cros Chríst síar fri fuined.

Tes, túaid cen nach n-anad,

Cros Chríst cen nach fuirech.

Cros Chríst tar mo déta

nám-tháir bét ná bine.

Cros Chríst tar mo gaile.

Cros Chríst tar mo chride.

Cros Chríst súas fri fithnim.

Cros Chríst sís fri talmain.

Ní thí olc ná urbaid

dom chorp ná dom anmain.

Cros Chríst tar mo suide.

Cros Chríst tar mo lige.

Cros Chríst mo bríg uile

co roisem Ríg nime.

Cros Chríst tar mo muintir.

Cros Chríst tar mo thempal.

Cros Chríst isin altar.

Cros Chríst isin chentar.

O mullach mo baitse

co ingin mo choise,

a Chríst, ar cach n-gábad

for snádad do chroise.

Co laithe mo báis-se,

ría n-dol isin n-úir-se,

cen (ainis) do-bér-sa

Cros Chríst tarsin n-gnúis-se.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/30/the-lorica-of-mugron/


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Prayers for the Sick from the Book of Dimma (7th century)


The Evangelist Mark, from the Book of Dimma

Let us pray, brothers, to the Lord our God for our brother _____, who now suffers under severe hardships, that the goodness of the Lord may heal him with heavenly medicine. May he who has given the soul, also preserve it; through our Lord. [1]


To the almighty living God, who restores and strengthens all his works, let us pray, dear brothers, for our sick brother, that either in renewal or recovery the creature may feel the hand of the creator; in the man of his making may the tender Father recreate his work; through our Lord. [2]


O Lord, holy Father, author of the universe, almighty and eternal God, to whom all are alive. You bring the dead to life and call things that are not as those that are. Since you are the maker, in love do your work  for this person you have fashioned; through our Lord. [3]


To God, in whose hands are the support of the living and the life of the dead, we pray that this infirm body may be cured  and this soul be healed, that what he does not deserve by merit, he may receive by our prayers for your mercy’s sake; through our Lord. [4]


O God, you do not desire the death of a sinner but that he turn and live. Forgive the sins of this man who has turned to you with all his heart, and give him the grace of eternal life; through our Lord. [5]


O God, you always govern your creatures with tender affection. Hear our prayers for your servant _____, who is suffering from bodily sickness.  Visit him with your deliverance, and give him the medicine of your heavenly grace; through our Lord. [6]


Source: The Book of Dimma, 7th century. Prayer #6 is also found in Gelasian sources.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Originals in Latin:


Oremus, fratres, dominum deum nostrum pro fratre nostro .n. quem duri adpresens malum langoris adulcerat, ut eum domini pietas caelestibus dignetur curare medicinis ; qui dedit animam det etsalutem, perdominum nostrum. [1]


Deum uiuum omnipotentem, cui omnia opera restaurare [et] confirmare facillimum est, fratres carissimi, profratre nostro infirmo supliciter oremus, quo creatura manum sentiat creatoris aut inreparando aut inrecipiendo ; inhomine suo pius pater opus suum recreare dignetur, perdominum nostrum. [2]


Domine, sancte pater, uniuersitatis auctor, omnipotens aeternae deus, cui cuncta uiuunt, qui uiuificas mortuos et uocas ea quae non sunt, tanquam ea quae sunt, tuum solitum opus, qui es artifex, pie exerce in hoc plasmate tuo, perdominum. [3]


Deum in cuius manu tam alitus uiuentis quam uita morientis, fratres dilectissimi, deprecemur, ut corporis huius infirmitatem sanet et animae salutem prestet; ut quod per meritum non meretur, misericordiae gratia consequatur, orantibus nobis, perdominum. [4]


Deus, qui non uis mortem peccatoris, sed ut conuertatur et uiuat, huic adte excorde conuerso peccata dimite, et perennis uitae tribu[e] gratiam, perdominum. [5]


Deus, qui facturam tuam pio semper do[mi]nares afectu, inclina aurem tuam suplicantibus nobis tibi; ad famulum tuum .n. aduersitate ualitudinis corporis laborantem placitus respice; uisita eum insalutare tuo, et caelestis gratiae ad medicamentum, per dominum. [6]


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/08/06/prayers-for-the-sick-from-the-book-of-dimma/


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We Walk in the Light of this Bountiful Day (9th century)


We walk in the light of this bountiful day

in the great strength of the most high God of gods,

in the favor of Christ,

in the light of the Holy Spirit,

in faith of the patriarchs,

in the service of the prophets,

in the peace of the apostles,

in the joy of angels,

in the splendor of the saints,

in the work of the faithful,

in the strength of the righteous,

in the witness of the martyrs,

in the chastity of the virgins,

in the wisdom of God,

in the patience of many,

in the denial of the flesh,

in the control of the tongue,

in the abundance of peace,

in the praise of the Trinity,

in the sharpness of senses,

in continuing good works,

in step with the Spirit,

in the words of God,

in many blessings.


In this is the way of all who labor for Christ,

who led the saints into joy forever after their deaths,

that they might listen to the voices of the angels,

praising God and saying:

“Holy, holy, holy.”


Source: The Book of Cerne 9th century. Translated for A Collection of Prayers.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


In the original, “in the work of the faithful” is “in the work of the monks”


Original in Latin:


Ambulemus in prosperis huius diei luminis

IN uirtute altissimi dei deorum maximi

IN bene placito christi

IN luce spiritus sancti

IN fide patriarcharum

IN meritis prophetarum

IN pace apostolorum

IN gaudio angelorum

IN splendoribus sanctorum

IN operibus monachorum

IN uirtute iustorum

IN martyrio martyrum

IN castitate uirginum

IN dei sapientia

IN multa patientia

IN carnis abstinentia

IN linguae continentia

IN pacis habundantia

IN trinitatis laudibus

IN acutis sensibus

IN semper bonis actibus

IN formis spiritalibus

IN diuinis sermonibus

IN benedictionibus


IN his est iter omnium pro christo laborantium

qui deducit sanctos post obitum sempiternum in gaudium

Ut a audiam uocem Angelorum

deum laudantium ac dicentium

sanctus sanctus sanctus


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/24/we-walk-in-the-light-of-this-bountiful-day/


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The Lord’s Prayer from the Book of Cerne (9th century)


Father, in your tranquil world above,

may your kingdom come,

reveal your nourishing light.

Let your clear will be done

on earth and in heaven.

What is needed for life today,

the substance of holy bread,

provide to us soon.

Forgive countless debts of our wicked errors,

no different than we pardon our debtors.

Oh, keep temptation of the devil far away,

and likewise raise us up from evil

to light at your right hand.


Source: The Book of Cerne, 9th Century, translated by Paul C. Stratman for A Collection of Prayers.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Orginal in Latin, from The prayer book of Aedeluald the bishop: commonly called the Book of Cerne, ed. Arthur Benedict Kuypers.


Pater alte tui tranquillaque mundo –

Adueniat regnumque tuum lux alma recludat –

In caelo et in terra tua fiat clara uoluntas –

Uitalisque hodie sancti substantia panis –

Proueniat nobis tua mox largit(i)o soluat –

Innumera indulgens erroris debita praui  –

Et nos haut aliter concedere fenore nostris –

Tetrisae ua procul temtatio daemonis absit –

Aeque malis tua nos in lucem dextera tollat –


 Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/16/the-lords-prayer-from-the-book-of-cerne/


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I Arise Today (Celtic Prayer) - St. Patrick (4th-5th century)


I arise today

embraced in the arms

of God the Father,

empowered by the strength

of God the Spirit,

immersed in the love

of God the Son.

I arise today

in the company

of the Trinity,

Father, Spirit and Son.

I arise today.


Source: Unknown, attributed as “A Celtic Prayer”


Source of this version: http://stoswaldsoswestry.org.uk/prayer-room/morning-and-evening-prayers/


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/08/23/i-arise-today/


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I Arise Today (St. Bridget) (5th-6th century)


I arise today

through a mighty strength:

God’s power to guide me,

God’s might to uphold me,

God’s eyes to watch over me,

God’s ear to hear me,

God’s word to give me speech,

God’s hand to guard me,

God’s way to lie before me,

God’s shield to shelter me,

God’s host to secure me.


Source: St. Bridget of Kildare (Bridget of Gael)


Source of this version: http://www.faithandworship.com/Celtic_Blessings_and_Prayers.htm


Also found here: http://www.worldprayers.org/archive/prayers/adorations/i_arise_today.html


Similar to St. Patrick’s Breastplate


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/02/01/i-arise-today-st-bridget/


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A Poem-Prayer of Saint Oengus of Ireland to Christ and His Saints (9th century)


Sanctify, O Christ ! my words:

O Lord of the seven heavens !

Grant me the gift of wisdom,

O Sovereign of the bright sun !


O bright son who dost illuminate

The heavens with all their holiness !

O King who governest the angels !

O Lord of all the people !


Lord of the people,

King all-righteous and good !

May I receive the full benefit

Of praising Thy royal hosts.


Thy royal hosts I praise

Because Thou art my Sovereign ;

I have disposed my mind,

To be constantly beseeching Thee.


I beseech a favour from Thee,

That I be purified from my sins,

Through the peaceful bright-shining flock.

The royal host whom I celebrate.”


https://citydesert.wordpress.com/2014/03/11/oengus-the-culdee-hermit/


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St. Patrick’s Evensong (5th century)


May your holy angels, O Christ, Son of living God,

Guard our sleep, our rest, our shining bed.


Let them reveal true visions to us in our sleep,

O High Prince of the universe, O great King of the mysteries!


May no demons, no ill, no calamity or terrifying dreams

Disturb our rest, our willing, prompt repose.


May our watch be holy, our work, our task,

Our sleep, our rest without stop, without break.


Source: St. Patrick’s Evensong, translated as prose by Kuno Meyer in Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry, New York, 1911.


Source of this version: Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


Version in verse:


Jesus, Son of God most high,

May your holy angels keep

Watch around us as we lie

In our shining beds asleep.


Time’s hid veil with truth to pierce

Let them teach our dreaming eyes,

High King of the Universe,

High Priest of the Mysteries.


May no demon of the air,

May no malice of our foes,

Evil dream or haunting care

Mar our willing, prompt repose!


May our vigils hallowed be

By the tasks we undertake!

May our sleep be fresh and free,

Without stop and without break.


St. Patrick’s Evensong, translated as poetry, from A Celtic Psaltery, New York, 1917.


Source:


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/07/31/st-patricks-evensong/


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A PRAYER TO THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY MOTHER OF GOD (AN  ANCIENT IRISH PRAYER) 


Gentle Mary, noble maiden, give us help!

Shrine of our Lord's body, casket of the mysteries!

Queen of queens, pure holy maiden,

Pray for us that our wretched transgression be forgiven for Thy sake.

Merciful one, forgiving one, with the grace of the Holy Spirit,

Pray with us the true-judging King of the goodly ambrosial clan.

Branch of Jesse's tree in the beauteous hazel-wood,

Pray for me until I obtain forgiveness of my foul sins.

Mary, splendid diadem, Thou that hast saved our race,

Glorious noble torch, orchard of Kings!

Brilliant one, transplendent one, with the deed of pure chastity,

Fair golden illumined ark, holy daughter from Heaven!

Mother of righteousness, Thou that excellest all else,

Pray with me Thy first-born to save me on the day of Doom.

Noble rare star, tree under blossom,

Powerful choice lamp, sun that warmeth every one.

Ladder of the great track by which every saint ascends,

Mayst Thou be our safeguard towards the glorious Kingdom.

[Pg 33]


Fair fragrant seat chosen by the King,

The noble guest who was in Thy womb three times three months.

Glorious royal porch through which He was incarnated,

The splendid chosen sun, Jesus, Son of the living God.

For the sake of the fair babe that was conceived in Thy womb,

For the sake of the holy child that is High-King in every place,

For the sake of His cross that is higher than any cross,

For the sake of His burial when He was buried in a stone-tomb,

For the sake of His resurrection when He arose before every one,

For the sake of the holy household from every place to Doom,

Be Thou our safeguard in the Kingdom of the good Lord,

That we may meet with dear Jesus—that is our prayer—hail!


https://www.gutenberg.org/files/32030/32030-h/32030-h.htm#Page_32


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A Doxology - A Doxology from the Antiphonary of Bangor of Ireland (9th century)


We worship you, eternal Father.

We call on you, eternal Son.

And we confess you, Holy Spirit,

dwelling in one divine unity.


One God in three persons,

we give you praise and thanks,

and ask that we may join our voices

to sing in your unending praise,

now and forever.


Source: Antiphonary of Bangor, ninth century


Source of this version: Translated and reworked from the Latin text for A Collection of Prayers.


© 2016 Paul C. Stratman


Translation of Doxology “Te Patrem adoremus aeternum” by Paul C. Stratman is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact for any commercial usage.


Original in Latin:


123. Post laudate pueri dominum in dominico die.


Te Patrem adoramus aeternum.

Te sempiternum Filium invocamus.

Teque Spiritum Sanctum

in una divinitatis substantia manentem confitemur.


Tibi uni Deo in Trinitate

debitas laudes et gratias referimus,

ut te incessabili voce laudare mereamur,

per aeterna saecula saeculorum.


The Antiphonary of Bangor and The Divine Offices of Bangor is now available in paperback through Amazon.com. It is also available for Amazon Kindle. This is a new translation of the entire Antiphonary into comtemporary liturgical English. 


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/08/05/a-doxology/


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Evening Prayers - Two Evening Prayers from the Antiphonary of Bangor (9th century)


FOR PEACE


Antiphon:


We have sinned,

and have acted wickedly. (2 Chronicles 6:37 ESV)


Collect:


You have redeemed us, O Lord, God of truth, by your holy blood. Now help us in all things, Jesus Christ, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.


Antiphon


Great peace have those who love your law;

nothing can make them stumble. (Psalm 119:165 ESV)


Collect


Let your peace, O Lord, heavenly King, always remain in our hearts, that we need not fear the terror of the night, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen.


Source: Antiphonary of Bangor, ninth century


Source of this version: Translated and reworked from the Latin text for A Collection of Prayers.


© 2016 Paul C. Stratman


Translation of Prayers “Redemisti nos, Domine Deus / You have redeemed us, O Lord,” and “Pax tua, Domine, rex caelestis / Let your peace, O Lord, heavenly King” by Paul C. Stratman are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact for any commercial usage.


“You have redeemed us…” is a reference to Psalm 31:5


“Now help us…” may be a reference to Psalm 70:1


“that we need not fear the terror of the night” is a reference to Psalm 91:5


Originals in Latin:


34. Ad pacem Celebrandam


Ant. Injuste egimus, iniquitatem fecimus.


Collectio. Redemisti nos, Domine Deus veritatis, in tuo sancto sanguine, nunc adjuva nos in omnibus, Jesu Christe, Qui regnas, &c


Ant. Pax multa diligentibus legem tuam; et non est illis scandalum.


Collectio.  Pax tua, Domine, rex caelestis, permaneat semper in visceribus nostris, ut non timeamus a timore nocturne, Qui regnas &c


The Antiphonary of Bangor and The Divine Offices of Bangor is now available in paperback through Amazon.com. It is also available for Amazon Kindle. This is a new translation of the entire Antiphonary into comtemporary liturgical English. 


 https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/08/05/evening-prayers/



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Blessing from the Book of Cerne (9th century)


God the Father bless me,

Christ guard me,

the Holy Spirit enlighten me,

all the days of my life!

The Lord be the defender and guardian

of my soul and my body, now and ever!  Amen.

The right hand of the Lord preserve me always to old age!

The grace of Christ perpetually defend me from the enemy!

Direct, Lord, my heart into the way of peace.

Hasten to save me, O God!

O Lord, come quickly to help me!


Source: The Book of Cerne


Source of this version: Modified from http://assets.newscriptorium.com/collects-and-prayers/prmanual.htm


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


“Hasten…” is a reference to Psalm 70:1


Original in Latin:

Benedicat me deus pater

custodiat me christus

inluminet me spiritus sanctus

omnibus diebus vitae meae

Sit dominus defensor

Atttque custus animi mei et corporis mei et nunc et semper

et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

dextera me domini conseruet semper ein aevum.

Direge domine cor meum in viam pacis.

…

Domine Deus in adjutorium meum intende domine ad adivuan meum adnuntiavit laudem tuam.


Prayer Book of Aedeluald the Bishop, Commonly Called the Book of Cerne, p. 101-102.


Illustration from the Book of Cerne, Cambridge University Library, wikipedia.com


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/20/blessing-from-the-book-of-cerne/


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St. Patrick’s Creed (5th century)


Our God, God of all people,

God of heaven and earth, sea and rivers,

God of sun and moon, of all stars,

God of highest mountain, of deepest valleys,

God over heaven and in heaven and under heaven.


He has his dwelling

in heaven and earth and sea

and all that is in them.


He inspires all,

he gives life to all,

he surpasses all,

he upholds all.


He ignites the light of the sun.

He surrounds the stars and tells them to shine.

He makes fountains in dry lands,

and dry islands in the sea,

and stars to serve the greater lights.


He has a Son,

coeternal with him and like him.

The Son is not younger than the Father,

neither is the Father older than the Son.


And the Holy Spirit breathes in them.

Not separate are the Father and Son and Holy Spirit.


Source: St. Patrick, fifth century, in The Tripartite Life of Patrick, 1887, p. 315-316

Translated for Prayers of the Ancient Celtic Church


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/01/st-patricks-creed/


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St. Patrick’s Creed (from ‘The Confession of St. Patrick’) (5th century)


There is no other God,

and there never was another,

nor will there be any after him

except God the Father, without beginning.

From him is all beginning.

He upholds all things.

And his Son Jesus Christ

whom together with the Father

we testify to have always existed.

Before the beginning of the world

he was spiritually present with the Father.

Begotten in an indescribable manner before all beginning.

By him all things visible and invisible were made.

He was made man,

and having overcome death

was received into heaven to the Father:

And the Father has bestowed on him

the name that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord and God.

In him we believe,

and we await his coming

who before long shall judge the quick and dead.

He will render to everyone according to his deeds,

and has poured out abundantly on us

the gift of the Holy Spirit,

even the pledge of immortality,

who makes those that believe and obey

to be the sons of God the Father

and joint-heirs with Christ.

Him we confess and adore —

one God in the Trinity of the sacred name.


Source: St. Patrick, fifth century, from The Confession of St. Patrick

The Confession of Patrick, Tr. Olden, 1853, p. 44-46


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/01/st-patricks-creed-from-the-confession-of-st-patrick/


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ANCIENT PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN.

(Translated from the Irish of the Eighth Century.)


O Great Mary,

Most Great of women,

Queen of the Angels,

Woman full of, and replete with the grace of the Holy Spirit,


Blessed and Most Blessed, 


Mother of Eternal Glory, 


Mother of the Heavenly and Earthly Church,


Mother of Love and Indulgence, 


Mother of the Golden Light, 


Honor of the Sky, 


Sign of Tranquillity, 


Gate of Heaven, 


Golden Casket,


Temple of the Divinity, 


Beauty of Virgins, 


Mistress of the Tribes, 


Fountain of the Parterres, 


Mother of the Orphans,


Breast of the Infants,


Solace of the Wretched, 


Star of the Sea,


Handmaid of God, 


Mother of the Redeemer, 


Resplendent like the Sun, 


Destruction of Eve’s Disgrace,


Regeneration of Life, 


Chief of the Virgins,


Inclosed Garden, 


Closely-locked Fountain, 


Mother of God, 


Perpetual Virgin, 


Holy Virgin, 


Prudent Virgin, 


Serene Virgin,

Chaste Virgin, 


Temple of the Living God, 


Royal Throne of the Eternal King,

Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit,

Virgin of the Roof of Jesus,

Cedar of Mount Lebanon,

Cypress of Mount Sion,

Crimson Rose of the Land of Jacob,

Blooming like the Olive Tree,

Glorious Son-bearer,

Light of Nazareth,

Glory of Jerusalem,

Beauty of the World,

Noblest Boon of the Christian Flock,

Queen of Life,

Ladder of Heaven :


Hear the petition of the poor; spurn not the wounds and groans of the miserable. Let the devotion of our sighs be carried through thee to the presence of the Creator, for we are not ourselves worthy of being heard, because of our evil deserts. O powerful Mistress of Heaven and Earth, dissolve our trespasses and our sins; destroy our wickedness and corruptions; raise the fallen, the debilitated and the fettered; loosen the condemned; repair, through thyself, the transgressions of our immoralities and of our vices; appease for us the Judge, by thy voice and thy supplications; allow us not to be carried off from these among the spoils of our enemies; allow not our souls to be condemned, but take us to thyself, forever, under thy protection. We beseech thee and pray thee further, O Holy Mary, through thy great supplication, from thy only Son, that is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, that God may defend us from all straits and temptations, and obtain for us, from the God of Creation, that we may all receive from Him the forgiveness and remission of all our sins and trespasses, and that we may obtain from Him further, through thy supplication, the perpetual occupation of the Heavenly Kingdom through the eternity of life; in the presence of the Saints and of the world, which may we deserve and may we occupy, in sæcula sæculorum—Amen.


https://hieronymopolis.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/an-ancient-irish-litany-of-the-blessed-virgin/


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Blessing from St. Patrick’s Breastplate (5th century)


May the strength of God pilot us.

May the power of God preserve us.

May the wisdom of God instruct us.

May the hand of God protect us.

May the way of God direct us.

May the shield of God defend us.

May the host of God guard us

against the snares of evil

and the temptations of the world.


May Christ be with us.

Christ before us.

Christ in us.

Christ over us.

May your salvation, O Lord,

be always ours

this day and forever more.


Source: St. Patrick, from “St. Patrick’s Breastplate”


Source of this version: http://www.oursanctuary.net/breastplate.html


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/07/19/blessing-from-st-patricks-breastplate/


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Confession of Sins from the Book of Cerne (9th century)


I come before your sight, O Lord,

as one accused with my conscience as witness.

I pray, not daring to ask what I am not worthy to receive.

But Lord, you know everything

that drives us to confess to you;

what we are ashamed of,

and the sins we were not afraid to commit.

With these words we yield to you our hearts and minds,

and commend to you what we say,

but not what we have done.

Spare us, O Lord, and forgive the sins we confess.

Have mercy on those who call to you.

And because my senses are weak

in comprehending your mysteries,

grant, Lord, the things we do not ask

because of the hardness of our hearts,

and grant us pardon;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Source: Book of Cerne,


In Latin:


Ante oculos tuos domine reus conscientiae testis adsisto rogare non audeo quod impetrare non merear . Tu enim scis domine omnia quae aguntur in nobis erubescimus confitere quod per nos non timemus conmittere . Uerbis tibi tantum obsequimur corde autem mentimus . et quod uelle nos dicimus nolle nostris actibus adprobamus . parce domine confitentibus ignosce peccantibus . miserere te rogantibus . et quia in sacramentis tuis meus sensus infirmus est . praesta domine ut qui ex nobis duri cordis uerba non suscipis . per te nobis ueniam largiaris iesus christus dominus noster . Amen.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2018/11/14/confession-of-sins-from-the-book-of-cerne/


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St. Patrick’s Breastplate (5th century)


“Lorica” was originally the word for a breastplate that a Roman soldier would wear. Loricas were prayers for protection—sometimes praying for protection from every angle, or protection for every part of the body. St. Patrick’s Breastplate is also known as “The Lorica.”


I arise today

through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

through belief in the Threeness,

through confession of the Oneness

of the Creator of creation.


I arise today

through the strength of Christ’s birth and his baptism,

through the strength of his crucifixion and his burial,

through the strength of his resurrection and his ascension,

through the strength of his descent for the judgment of doom.


I arise today

through the strength of the love of cherubim,

in the obedience of angels,

in the service of archangels,

in the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

in the prayers of patriarchs,

in the predictions of prophets,

in the preaching of apostles,

in the faith of confessors,

in the innocence of holy virgins,

in the deeds of righteous men.


I arise today, through

the strength of heaven,

the light of the sun,

the radiance of the moon,

the whiteness of snow,

the splendor of fire,

the speed of lightning,

the swiftness of wind,

the depth of the sea,

the stability of the earth,

the firmness of rock.


I arise today, through

God’s strength to pilot me,

God’s power to sustain me,

God’s wisdom to guide me,

God’s eye to look before me,

God’s ear to hear me,

God’s word to speak for me,

God’s hand to guard me,

God’s path to go before me,

God’s shield to protect me,

God’s host to save me

from snares of devils,

from temptation of vices,

from allurements of nature,

from everyone who shall wish me ill,

afar and near,

alone or in a crowd.


I summon today

all these powers to stand between me

and every cruel and merciless power

that may oppose my body and soul,

against incantations of false prophets,

against black laws of paganism,

against false laws of heretics,

against deceit of idolatry,

against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,

against every knowledge that corrupts man’s body and soul;


Christ to shield me today

against poison, against burning,

against drowning, against wounding,

so that there may come to me an abundance of reward.


Christ with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.


I arise today

through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

through belief in the Threeness,

through confession of the Oneness

of the Creator of creation.


Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Salvation belongs to the Lord.

Christ is salvation.

May your salvation, O Lord, be with us always.


Source: St. Patrick


Source of this version: Modified from the translation by Kuno Meyer

Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry, 1911, p. 25-28


Included in Prayers from the Ancient Celtic Church, © 2018, Paul C. Stratman


The section, “Christ with me, Christ before me…” has been set to music by a modern composer. It is called “The Deer’s Cry” by Arvo Pärt.


Variant: Versified by Cecil Frances Alexander d. 1895.


I bind unto myself today

the strong name of the Trinity

by invocation of the same,

the Three in One and One in Three.


I bind this day to me forever,

by power of faith, Christ’s incarnation,

his baptism in the Jordan river,

his death on cross for my salvation,

his bursting from the spiced tomb,

his riding up the heavenly way,

his coming at the day of doom,

I bind unto myself today.


I bind unto myself today

the virtues of the starlit heaven,

the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,

the whiteness of the moon at even,

the flashing of the lightning free,

the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,

the stable earth, the deep salt sea

around the old eternal rocks.


I bind unto myself today

the power of God to hold and lead,

God’s eye to watch, God’s might to stay,

God’s ear to hearken to my need,

the wisdom of my God to teach,

God’s hand to guide, God’s shield to ward,

the word of God to give me speech,

God’s heavenly host to be my guard.


Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.


I bind unto myself the name,

the strong name of the Trinity

by invocation of the same,

the Three in One and One in Three,

of whom all nature has creation,

eternal Father, Spirit, Word.

Praise to the Lord of my salvation;

salvation is of Christ the Lord!


Source of this version: http://www.hymnary.org/text/i_bind_unto_myself_today


Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick%27s_Breastplate


Version in Irish Gaelic, thought to be the original:


Atomriug indiu

niurt tréun:

togairm Trindóit

faístin Oendatad,

i nDúlemon dáil.

Atomriug indiu

niurt gene Críst cona bathius,

niurt a chrochtho cona adnacul,

niurt a essérgi cona fhresgabáil,

niurt a thoíniudo fri brithemnas mbrátho.


Atomriug indiu

niurt gráid hiruphin,

i n-aurlataid aingel,

i frestul inna n-archaingel,

i freiscisin esséirgi

ar chiunn fochraicce,

i n-ernaigthib uasalathrach,

i tairchetlaib fáithe,

i preceptaib apstal,

i n-iresaib foísmedach,

i n-enccai noebingen,

i ngnímaib fer firén.


Atomriug indiu

niurt nime,

soilsi gréne,

étrochtai éscai,

áni thened,

déni lóchet,

luaithi gaíthe,

fudomnai mara,

tairismigi thalman,

cobsaidi ailech.


Atomriug indiu

niurt Dé dom luamairecht.

Cumachtae nDé dom chumgabáil,

ciall Dé dom inthús,

rose nDé dom remcisiu,

cluas Dé dom étsecht,

briathar Dé dom erlabrai,

lám Dé dom imdegail,

intech Dé dom remthechtas,

sciath Dé dom imdítin,

sochraite Dé dom anacul

ar intledaib demnae,

ar aslagib dualche,

ar forimthechtaib aicnid,

ar cech duine mídúthrastar dam,

i céin ocus i n-ocus,

i n’uathud ocus i sochaidi.


Crist dom imdegail indiu

ar neim, ar loscud, ar bádud, ar guin,

condom-thair ilar fochraicce.

Críst limm, Críst reum, Críst im degaid,

Críst indium, Críst ísum, Críst uasum,

Críst desum, Críst tuathum,

Críst i llius, Críst i sius, Críst i n-erus,

Críst i cridiu cech duini immumrorda,

Críst i ngin cech oín rodom-labrathar,

Críst i cech rusc nonom-dercathar,

Críst i cech cluais rodom-chloathar.


Atomriug indiu

niurt tréun:

togairm Trindóit,

cretim Treodatad,

faístin Oendatad,

i nDúlemon dáil.


Domini est salus,

Domini est salus,

Christi est salus

salus tua, Domine, sit semper nobiscum.


Source of this version: http://irishpage.com/patrick/deercry.htm


Version in Latin:


Ad Temoriam hodie potentiam praepollentem invoco Trinitatis,

Credo in Trinitatem sub unitate numinis elementorum.


Apud Temoriam hodie virtutem nativitatis Christi cum ea ejus baptismi,

Virtutem crucifixionis cum ea ejus sepulturae,

Virtutem resurrectionis cum ea ascensionis,

Virtutem adventus ad judicium aeternum.


Apud Temoriam hodie virtutem amoris Seraphim in obsequio angelorum,

In spe resurrectionis ad adipiscendum praemium.

In orationibus nobilium Patrum,

In praedictionibus prophetarum,

In praedicationibus apostolorum,

In fide confessorum,

In castitate sanctarum virginum,

In actis justorum virorum.


Apud Temoriam hodie potentiam coeli,

Lucem solis,

Candorem nivis,

Vim ignis,

Rapiditatem fulguris,

Velocitatem venti,

Profunditatem maris,

Stabilitatem terrae,

Duritiam petrarum.


Ad Temoriam hodie potentia Dei me dirigat,

Potestas Dei me conservet,

Sapientia Dei me edoceat,

Oculus Dei mihi provideat,

Auris Dei me exaudiat,

Verbum Dei me disertum faciat,

Manus Dei me protegat,

Via Dei mihi patefiat,

Scutum Dei me protegat,

Exercitus Dei me defendat,

Contra insidias daemonum,

Contra illecebras vitiorum,

Contra inclinationes animi,

Contra omnem hominem qui meditetur injuriam mihi,

Procul et prope,

Cum paucis et cum multis.


Posui circa me sane omnes potentias has

Contra omnem potentiam hostilem saevam

Excogitatam meo corpori et meae animae;

Contra incantamenta pseudo-vatum,

Contra nigras leges gentilitatis,

Contra pseudo-leges haereseos,

Contra dolum idololatriae,

Contra incantamenta mulierum,

Et fabrorum ferrariorum et druidum,

Contra omnem scientiam quae occaecat animum hominis.


Christus me protegat hodie

Contra venenum,

Contra combustionem,

Contra demersionem,

Contra vulnera,

Donec meritus essem multum praemii.


Christus mecum,

Christus ante me,

Christus me pone,

Christus in me,

Christus infra me,

Christus supra me,

Christus ad dextram meam,

Christus ad laevam meam,

Christus hine,

Christus illine,

Christus a tergo.


Christus in corde omnis hominis quem alloquar,

Christus in ore cujusvis qui me alloquatur,

Christus in omni oculo qui me videat,

Christus in omni aure quae me audiat.


Ad Temoriam hodie potentiam praepollentem invoco Trinitatis.

Credo in Trinitatem sub Unitate numinis elementorum.


Domini est salus,

Domini est salus,

Christi est salus,

Salus tua, Domine, sit semper nobiscum.


https://acollectionofprayers.com/2016/06/19/st-patricks-breastplate/


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AN EVEN-SONG - SAINT PATRICK OF IRELAND SANG THIS


May Thy holy angels, O Christ, son of living God,

Guard our sleep, our rest, our shining bed.

Let them reveal true visions to us in our sleep,

O high-prince of the universe, O great king of the mysteries!

May no demons, no ill, no calamity or terrifying dreams

Disturb our rest, our willing, prompt repose.

May our watch be holy, our work, our task,

Our sleep, our rest without let, without break.


https://www.gutenberg.org/files/32030/32030-h/32030-h.htm#Page_28


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ON THE FLIGHTINESS OF THOUGHT (Ancient Irish Prayer)


Shame to my thoughts, how they stray from me!

I fear great danger from it on the day of eternal Doom.

During the psalms they wander on a path that is not right:

They fash, they fret, they misbehave before the eyes of great God.

Through eager crowds, through companies of wanton women,

Through woods, through cities—swifter they are than the wind.

Now through paths of loveliness, anon of riotous shame!

Without a ferry or ever missing a step they go across every sea:

Swiftly they leap in one bound from earth to heaven.

They run a race of folly anear and afar:

After a course of giddiness they return to their home.

Though one should try to bind them or put shackles on their feet,

They are neither constant nor mindful to take a spell of rest.

Neither sword-edge nor crack of whip will keep them down strongly:

As slippery as an eel's tail they glide out of my grasp.

[Pg 36]


Neither lock nor firm-vaulted dungeon nor any fetter on earth,

Stronghold nor sea nor bleak fastness restrains them from their course.

O beloved truly chaste Christ to whom every eye is clear,

May the grace of the seven-fold Spirit come to keep them, to check them!

Rule this heart of mine, O dread God of the elements,

That Thou mayst be my love, that I may do Thy will.

That I may reach Christ with His chosen companions, that we may be together!

They are neither fickle nor inconstant—not as I am.


https://www.gutenberg.org/files/32030/32030-h/32030-h.htm#Page_35


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